Actuator Driving Apparatus Linearity Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuator driving apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting non-linearity characteristics of actuators, leading to deteriorated linearity characteristics even when the same current is input, which affects the precision of autofocusing in camera modules.

Innovation Solution

An actuator driving apparatus is designed with a position controller that generates a position control signal based on a control input signal, incorporating a PID controller for proportional, integral, or derivative control, and a current driver that outputs current to drive the actuator, along with a hall sensor to detect the actuator's position and an amplifier to amplify detection signals, allowing for precise control and feedback loops to manage amplification rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a same current is input to the actuator, then the actuator should move to the same position, but the linearity characteristics are deteriorated due to difficulty in accurately detecting non-linearity characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precision of actuator characteristicsVSAvoidlinearity characteristics of actuator
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actuator's position is detected by a position detector and fed back to a controller. The controller compares the detected position with the target position and adjusts the driving current accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables accurate detection of non-linearity characteristics and compensates for deviations, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability of linearity characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement methods with a combination of position detection and computational processing. Instead of relying solely on mechanical indicators of actuator behavior, the system uses electronic position sensors and software-based linearity compensation algorithms to detect and correct non-linearity, improving detection precision without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If position control is implemented with feedback loop, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precision of actuator positionVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the controller to perform multiple functions: it generates driving signals for the actuator, detects position through integrated sensors, processes feedback signals, and implements linearity compensation algorithms. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the system achieves high control precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a position detector as an intermediary component that bridges the mechanical actuator and the electronic control system. This intermediary converts mechanical position into electrical signals that can be processed by the controller, enabling precise feedback control without requiring direct complex mechanical-electrical coupling, thus balancing precision and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution improves the linearity characteristics of the actuator, enabling more precise control and accurate autofocusing in camera modules by selectively using current and position control modes based on driving characteristics, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the actuator driving apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

a hall sensor configured to detect a position of the actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

an amplifier configured to amplify a level of a detection signal from the hall sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal amplification: Magnetic Amplifier

Data Source

PatentUS10197763B2Actuator driving apparatus, camera module, and electronic apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.02.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRO MECHANICS CO LTD
  • US10197763B2 patent drawing
  • US10197763B2 patent drawing
  • US10197763B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There are provided an actuator driving apparatus, a camera module, and an electronic apparatus to selectively use a position and current control method and a current control method. The actuator driving apparatus includes a position controller and a current driver. The position controller is configured to receive a control input signal and output the control input signal or a position control signal, which is generated based on the control input signal, according to a mode signal. The current driver is configured to generate a current to drive an actuator according to the control input signal or the position control signal.